Goshen College is entering its third year as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), reflecting progress and growth within its student body, which currently boasts 28% Hispanic enrollment. This designation, significant for its potential impact on institutional approaches, does not merely serve as recognition; it signifies the college’s commitment to serving this demographic and supporting a more inclusive educational environment.
According to Jan Kauffman, the assistant dean for student academic services and Title V project director, the aim of the Dedicated Hispanic Serving Institution grant is not just about numbers. It’s about narrowing the equity gap for Hispanic and other underrepresented students, ensuring not just enrollment but successful graduation. The grant encompasses renovations to the Academic Success Center, enhances bilingual resources for students and their families, and provides opportunities for faculty to pursue culturally responsive education training.
The HSI designation connects Goshen College with other institutions of similar distinction, creating networks focused on the enhancement of Hispanic students' experiences. A notable moment was the Frank and Betty Jo Yoder Public Affairs Lecture featuring Dr. Antonio Flores, president and CEO of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU). Students were able to learn about various initiatives aimed at improving their educational experience.
Alia Najera, a junior studying elementary education and TESOL, shared her warm sentiments about being part of this vibrant community, explaining how being surrounded by individuals who honor their culture fosters her sense of belonging. This sentiment is echoed by Kauffman, who emphasizes how being designated as an HSI benefits not only Hispanic students but extends to other traditionally marginalized groups on campus, including BIPOC, first-generation, Pell-eligible, and commuter students.
Goshen College's approach to its HSI status is proactive. Kauffman actively seeks student input on how the institution can become more effective and serve its diverse student body. Reflecting on the importance of this designation, Pérez notes, “perhaps the most important thing about being designated as an HSI is the opportunity we have to shape and chart the course for how we want to be.”
Meanwhile, at Oklahoma State University (OSU), the emphasis on education is equally progressive, especially within their graduate programs for Petroleum and Chemical Engineering. Students like Rupom Bhattacherjee, who is pursuing his PhD, highlight the significance of Graduate Research Assistantships as they ease financial burdens associated with long-term study commitments. He notes the financial backing allows for greater focus on research rather than worries about student debt.
Bhattacherjee's experience showcases the supportive networks available at OSU. His advisor has been instrumental to his growth as both a researcher and individual, providing guidance on problem-solving and fostering independence. This collaboration is indicative of the environment at OSU, where the faculty prioritize students’ personal and academic growth.
OSU's College of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology (CEAT) offers graduate degrees with extensive support. Students receive graduate research or teaching assistantships, averaging $30,000 annually, with additional benefits like tuition waivers and health insurance. They also have access to multiple fellowships, making the graduate experience financially viable compared to larger institutions.
Programs focus on practical application, blending theoretical learning with real-world problem-solving, particularly important as students engage with local and national oil and gas companies during their studies. The pedagogical approach is comprehensive, emphasizing collaborative projects and interaction with experienced faculty members, all of whom bring valuable industry insights to the teaching environment.
Bhattacherjee has developed innovative solutions, including projects relating to environmental sustainability. For example, he created a microfluidic device for visualizing fluid flow dynamics and is currently building decision-support systems for CO2 storage. These projects not only address industry challenges but also embody the drive toward sustainable resource management.
Similarly, Chemical Engineering students conduct peer-reviewed research and present findings at international conferences, with emphasis on collaboration fostering both professional and academic development. The practical training prepares them for impactful careers, with faculty like Professor Josh Ramsey ensuring students understand the importance of integrating engineering economics and design knowledge.
The emphasis on sustainability is also evident within the research initiatives at CEAT. Professor Zheyu Jiang works on industrial decarbonization and sustainability challenges, aiming to create methodologies for information sharing among various stakeholders. His significant research efforts contribute to addressing the energy consumption dilemma within the U.S. manufacturing sector.
Both institutions demonstrate how higher education can adapt and respond to changing demographics and industry needs. They highlight the importance of community, innovative thinking, and inclusivity. Universities are not just centers for academic learning; they are vibrant communities aiming to support and uplift students from various backgrounds.
From Goshen College’s commitment to serving Hispanic and underrepresented students to Oklahoma State University’s focused graduate programs, both highlight the transformative potential of education not only for the individuals studying but for the communities they will impact. This evolution in higher education speaks volumes about the efforts being made toward equity and comprehensive support systems, affecting how institutions will evolve and expand opportunities for future generations.
With programs like those seen at Ohio State and the emphasis on sustainable engineering practices, the future looks bright for students entering these fields armed with knowledge, experience, and new skills, ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.
Concurrently, the burgeoning opportunities resulting from education franchises, such as those offered by Kumon, demonstrate another dimension of educational growth. The choice for many to engage with franchising within the educational sector stems not only from profitability but from the desire to contribute positively to educational outcomes across communities, nurturing future generations to thrive.
The broad scope of opportunities and support available within these educational structures provides strong foundations for students, preparing them for the next chapters of their lives, whether through traditional schooling or the growing franchise model.
